The Best Late-Night Bars in Sydney for some Fun After Dark
Keep the party going well after the sun goes down with our roundup of the best late-night bars in Sydney serving cocktails and good times.
If you're a night owl on the lookout for excitement after sunset, you're in luck. Sydney boasts a bustling nightlife scene filled with hidden gems and iconic bars that keep the party going long after the sun dips below the horizon.
Whether you're craving cocktails with a view, live music to boogie to, or simply a place to hang with the girls until dawn, we've got you covered.
So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and let's dive into the best late-night bars in Sydney, where the good times never end.
Pleasure Club
Live music is a thing to be cherished and that's exactly what Pleasure Club aims to deliver. The late-night, cutting-edge cocktail bar is an inclusive space where you can escape the world for a hot minute and delve into the fever-dream revelry of performance and experimental concoctions.
Find the glowing purple eye on Newtown's Wilson Street, descend the staircase and discover an unmatched late-night entertainment experience with plush booths, nooks and crannies to hide away in and a corner pool table. The state-of-the-art cocktail lab is worth a try, with a seasonal cocktail program that changes cyclically.
Open til 4am Wednesday - Sunday
6 Wilson Street, Newtown
JAM Record Bar
What happens when 15,000 vinyl records meet a menu of Japanese-inspired snacks and jazzy cocktails? A very, very good time indeed.
The latest addition to George Street's ivy precinct, JAM Record Bar is a homage to the low-key listening bars of Tokyo. You'll find every genre, era and artist in the collection, and you can immerse yourself in the 'surround sound' experience within walls adorned with 100% pink plywood and cork, evoking the feeling of being inside a giant speaker box.
When the late-night cravings hit, snack on Japanese sandos, skewers, and spring rolls, paired perfectly with a curated cocktail menu highlighting highballs and margaritas.
With a daily rotating music selection spun on a vintage JBL sound system, JAM promises an unforgettable night of tunes and tastes.
Open til midnight Monday - Saturday
320C George Street, Sydney
Caterpillar Club
Easily one of the most exciting venue openings in 2023, The Caterpillar Club is the latest drop from one of our favourite hospitality groups, Swillhouse.
This late-night venue is the place to be with one of the largest private record collections in the world and snacks being served at the underground bar until 3am. Swing by to soak up moody interiors, world-class cocktails and incredible retro bites.
Open til 3am Sunday - Thursday, til 4am Friday - Saturday
92 Pitt Street, Sydney
El Patron
There’s no need to trek it into the city if you’re craving swish cocktails, tapas and a dancefloor that comes alive later in the evening - El Patron has you covered.
To get the party started, the considered cocktail menu includes the likes of palomas and spicy margs and a huge selection of spirits from tequila to mezcal. Dinner involves South America-inspired tapas plates and a selection of heftier mains.
The real fun kicks off after dinner service, with the venue seamlessly transforming into a late-night bar with resident DJs, retro nights and special guests ensuring the music is always pumping well into the early hours.
Open til 2.30am Friday - Saturday
31 Lasso Road, Gregory Hills
Burrow Bar
Another hidden gem of Sydney's nightlife scene, Burrow Bar is tucked away in a basement, providing a nostalgic haven from the city's hustle. Whether you're craving a classic cocktail, a cold craft beer, or a fine wine, Burrow Bar delivers an unforgettable experience every time.
Despite its cosy size, this joint packs a punch, matching its drinks' potency. Explore their menu filled with signature concoctions and timeless classics, ensuring each visit brings a new adventure.
And when hunger strikes, their simple yet satisfying menu, featuring chicken wings, beef tartare, ribs and house pickles has got you covered.
Open til midnight Tuesday - Sunday
Basement/96 Clarence Street, Sydney
Palomino Lounge
The sultry ambience of Palomino Lounge makes this new hidden gem a standout among the best late-night bars in Sydney. With its moody and chic decor featuring deep red accents, wooden interiors, and a striking green marble bar, Palomino sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Sip on expertly-crafted cocktails late into the evening, and groove to live music every Sunday, with the bar showcasing an impressive roster of local talent.
It's the kind of place where one quick drink easily turns into a couple more as you soak up the atmosphere — we'll see you at The Pal!
Open late Wednesday - Sunday
134A Enmore Road, Newtown
Goros
Goros Sydney is a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar better described as a big playground for grown-ups, thanks to arcade games and an epic karaoke experience that makes this one of the best late-night bars in Sydney for those in the mood for some fun.
Round up a crew and step into the state-of-the-art karaoke rooms (they're free!) for a night out filled with delicious Japanese food, drinks, and endless singing.
If karaoke isn't your thing (can't relate) the arcade games and heaving dancefloor may be right up your alley.
Open late Wednesday - Saturday
84-86 Mary Street, Surry Hills
Lil Sis
Looking for a late-night bar in Sydney that exudes Parisian charm and good vibes? Look no further than Lil Sis! Enter through the wine shop downstairs and enter a quaint world that feels a million miles away.
The moodily lit wine bar is the perfect place to get comfortable for the night, settling into a booth or at the bar as you make your way through the extensive wine and cocktail list.
When you're feeling peckish, the assortment of bar snacks including tartare and olives will keep your hunger at bay.
Sitchu Tip: Drop by on a Sunday and you can grab a bottle from the shop downstairs with free corkage.
Open til 11pm Monday - Sunday
Ground Floor of Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale
Zaffi
Throw on your comfiest heels and get ready for a memorable night out in Sydney at Zaffi, the spot made for dancing till dawn, literally!
The ground floor offers up a curated selection of Australian-Lebanese mezze plates if you need a bite to fuel the boogie, whilst downstairs, you and your crew can find a jazzy pink bar open until 4am.
With live music, a funky fitout and welcoming hospitality, Zaffi will treat you to a night of rhythmic beats and delicious bites at one of the best late-night bars in Sydney.
Open til 4am Friday - Saturday, and 11pm Tuesday - Thursday
10-14 Hunter Street, Sydney
Stayed up past your bedtime at one of the best late-night bars in Sydney and desperate for a coffee hit to bring you back to life? Head straight to one of the best cafes in Sydney, or, if you need something heartier, these tasty sandos should do the trick.
